The right to petition the government for a redress of grievances is the least-known of the rights detailed in our Constitution’s First Amendment, but it is a well-established legal principle which dates back nearly eight centuries, to the English Magna Carta of 1215.
The principle was further established by the 1689 English Bill of Rights, which stated “that it is the right of the subjects to petition the king”, while it forbid him from prosecuting anyone for petitioning.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution addresses the Freedoms of Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly, and Petition. These freedoms, as true freedoms, come from God—they are not mere civil privileges extended by government to its citizens. In the words of our Declaration of Independence, our unalienable rights are endowed upon us by our Creator. As such, they apply to all persons at all times, and not just those persons deemed worthy by government.
The right to petition government for redress of grievances thus extends to all persons within our borders, not just registered voters or even only to American Citizens, no different than freedoms of speech or religion. There are no qualifications of age, status or even nationality to petition the government for redress of grievances.
Strictly speaking, a petition for redress of grievances is simply a written document from one or more petitioners to one or more of their representatives, or perhaps a government official, outlining a complaint and generally asking for a cure, to do something or refrain from it (stated or inferred).
A petition for redress of grievances is an important first step in making government aware of complaints, as part of an ultimate process seeking remedy. Though the petition may seem to fall on the deaf ears of government indifference (at least initially), it is yet an important tool for being able to build the necessary coalitions and the ability to organize a more commanding voice for increasing future effectiveness. Petitions serve as source of inspiration around which groups may rally. In a world of growing despair, ideas and ideals grounded in liberty serve as vitally important source of inspiration which can bring together seemingly disparate groups around a common denominator.
Combining the other rights mentioned in the First Amendment (free speech, and freedom to peacefully assemble, together also with the freedom of the press) with right to petition the government for redress of grievances, petitioners are provided with ample legal means to carry their cause as far and wide as their issue and ability can take them without legal interference.